Who are the real copyright pirates?

I don't have it all figured out. I'm reluctant to steal music. Tonight I found Courtney Love's emotional appeal. Then I read an accusation that she ripped off the ideas presented by Steve Albini. That reminded me of the first artist whose arguments in favor of digital downloads: Janis Ian. I also watched Nat Segaloff's short film "Steal This Disc" tonight. And I skimmed through Glenn McDonald's explanation for why he has started stealing music.

I don't have the energy to become an activist for this issue right now. I don't buy very many new CDs. I already have most of the music I want. I'm sure that scares the music industry. Too bad. So sad. I wait for sales at Sound and Spirit. They have me pegged as a Christian listener, but I've been buying mostly jazz and classical. A little bluegrass, too. Filling out my collection. Go ahead -- visit www.last.fm/user/tbc0 to see what I like to listen to. I'm in this for long haul. I'm watching the clueless music industry writhe as they're made irrelevant. Sure, some of them will eventually figure out how to adapt. But the industry's changing. Artists can connect directly with the fans now. That's a Good Thing. Makes the markets more efficient.

I'm waiting for more artists to wise up enough to say NO when greedy record labels try to get their signatures on unfair contracts. I'm waiting for more artists that I like to go independent. I'm waiting for more opportunities for me to buy their music directly from them.

Who knows? Maybe someday all that will be left of the music industry is a ride at Disneyland.